The Ahane U16 hurlers hosted Adare in Mackey Park last evening in the final group game in their group of the U16 championship knowing that victory would ensure qualification to a county semi-final.  The game was played in glorious sunshine after all the rain that had fallen earlier in the day but conditions were heavy underfoot which was going to ensure a low scoring game. The game was slow to take life and after a few wides from both sides, Ahane took the lead with a great point from Ronan Fox after good defensive work by Andy Rowsome and Ryan O’Connell. Adare drew level 2 minutes later with a fine score from distance. The supporters who had come out in big numbers were treated to a first half of hard and fast hurling with both defences repelling one attack after another and the sides were level on 4 occasions with further points in the half from Kevin Morrissey, Ronan Fox and Adam Murrihy from placed balls following good work in the full forward line from Mark Donnellan, William O’Leary & David Brennan.  Approaching half time, both sides had goal chances with Ronan Fox skimming a shot off the crossbar and at the other end in goal, Robert McGill kept the home team in the game with some great saves and his assurance under the high balls that came his way. The first half drew to a close with Ahane just shading it on a scoreline of 7 points to 6.  On the commencement of the second half, which saw Ahane play with the aid of a slight breeze, Adare were quick off the blocks with a goal inside 2 minutes after a defensive lapse. This seemed to spark the home team into life and they took the game to Adare, running at their defence time and again drawing fouls which Adam Murrihy converted into scores from placed balls. The home defence were well on top at this stage marshalled by Padraig Harnett from centre back, Aiden Carroll and Denis Hayes in both corners repelled any attacks and Andrew Shanahan at wing back cleared numerous balls upfield to the forward line. Peter Donohoe and Mark Donnellan came more & more into the game in this half attacking down the wings and delivering great ball to the full forward line where Peter O’Grady got on the end of 2 such passes and finished the ball to the back of the Adare net twice in the space of 5 minutes. The game was hard and tense as it entered the final 10 minutes, Ahane were reduced to 14 men with Ryan O’Connell unlucky to pick up a second yellow card. Adare knew they had to get a goal to bring them back into the game but try as they did, Robert McGill stood firm pulling off 3 top class saves and Andy Rowsome stood firm in front of him clearing ball upfield to the forwards who were now under pressure to help out in defence also. Further points from play from Ronan Fox & Adam Murrihy settled the home team again and Conor O’Brien & Glen Jones were introduced as bodies tierd. With Adare still attacking for goals, the backs stood firm and a long clearance up the field saw Conor O’Brien win possession on the Adare 21 yard line holding off 3 defenders and finishing to the back of the net to ensure a home win.  Final scoreline read Ahane 3-13 Adare 1-09. Ahane now qualify for a county semi-final against Ballybrown in the coming weeks.  Ahane team lined out as follows: Robert Mc Gill, Aiden Carroll, Andy Rowsome, Denis Hayes, Ryan O’Connell, Padraig Harnett, Andy Rowsome, Adam Murrihy, Peter O’Grady, Mark Donnellan, Kevin Morrissey, Peter Donohoe, David Brennan, Ronan Fox, William O’Leary. Conor O’Brien, Glen Jones, Paddy Hoen-Quinn, Conor Burke, Mark Hickey, Tom O’Hanlon, Jack Barry, Shane O’Grady, Gavin Cole, Liam O’Mara.